He Lives....This I know!

Today is Easter Sunday, our first Holiday without our Daddy. As I think about the Savior and his Atonement and Resurrection, it brings me great comfort and peace to know that we will live again. Just as I know the Savior lives, I know my Daddy lives, he has just gone on to the next stage of life. Knowing this doesn't change that I miss him, but I don't know how I would survive this not knowing I would ever see him again. I don't think I could survive this without the comforter either. At first I was numb, I'm starting to feel again. Saturday Mom, Annie and I went to see Grandma Violet Thomas. She is in the hospice wing at Kaiser, very close to death. It was a difficult experience, especially after what we have all been through. But, it is another testimony to me that our bodies are just temporary place for our spirits to dwell. It didn't even look like the Grandma I knew, and when you look in her eyes, it's as if no one is home. Her body is preparing her spirit to dwell with our Heavenly Father. Not everyone gets that opportunity to slowly go back home. For this I am greatful that we can say our goodbyes. I feel so grateful today to have this knowledge. I feel the love and comfort from all of you and from my immediate family who mourns with me. I heard this at the end of one of my favorite shows...."Maybe we have to get a little messed up before we can step up". Yes, I have to say I feel I've been a little messed up. But I am better for it. I now understand so much more. I have so much empathy for those who have lost a parent. I never understood before. I'm not sure I can say I have "stepped up" yet, but I feel like I am trying my hardest to reach that next step on the stairway of life. Even if I have to be nudged a bit by others. I know that my Redeemer Lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives."